Tempe Development Thread

[PHXFlyer11]

https://i.imgur.com/snFXkGh.jpg

Pier up.

Beautiful! Can you remind me which project this is? I'm sure I've seen the rendering, just trying to picture these three tower together in a few years.

[CrestedSaguaro]

Beautiful! Can you remind me which project this is? I'm sure I've seen the rendering, just trying to picture these three tower together in a few years.

Cranes are for South Pier and It's going to 5+ towers together in the future (3 new towers in the first phase) :cheers:

https://www.tempe.gov/government/economic-development/south-pier

https://southpierlive.com/

https://www.tempe.gov/home/showpublishedimage/72837/638110272363570000

[ASU Diablo]

Former P.F. Chang's place getting taken over the by the same group that brought Wren & Wolf and other hot spots to downtown Phoenix.

Oh no, a craft cocktail bar...the horror. :cheers:

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2023/10/16/local-restaurant-former-pf-chang-s-tempe.html

A new restaurant is set to open next year in the former P.F. Chang’s China Bistro space on Mill Avenue in Tempe.

Wexford Developments, which owns the 127,000-square-foot Centerpoint on Mill development in downtown Tempe, announced Monday the company has signed a lease with Pretty Decent Concepts, the restaurant and bar group behind Wren & Wolf, Trophy Room and the upcoming Carry On in downtown Phoenix.

Pretty Decent Concepts has not released too many details about the new project but said that they want to open two concepts under one roof – one being a chef-driven restaurant and the other will be a craft cocktail bar. The total space for both projects will be 7,700-square feet, plus a patio.

“When we were looking for our next project, we wanted a marquee space in a location that could define a community,” Teddy Myers, a co-owner of Pretty Decent Concepts, said in a statement. “We’re excited for the opportunity to embrace Tempe’s potential and have a hand in sculpting its future, just as we did in helping shape Downtown Phoenix’s identity.”

[exit2lef]

Oh no, a craft cocktail bar...the horror. :cheers:



I expect the folks active in the Maple-Ash-Farmer-Wilson Neighborhood group on Facebook are going to hate this, but I'd love to have an option of this type on Mill.

[locolife]

Former P.F. Chang's place getting taken over the by the same group that brought Wren & Wolf and other hot spots to downtown Phoenix.

Oh no, a craft cocktail bar...the horror. :cheers:

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2023/10/16/local-restaurant-former-pf-chang-s-tempe.html

They're going to do great, we keep looking for concepts like this in Tempe and they are few and far between. Looking forward to it.

[MiEncanto]

I hope they do it right because downtown Tempe really needs a classy/fine dining restaurant. For whatever reason Tempe has struggled in this area. House of Tricks closing removed one of its few nicer places.

[combusean]

That is absolutely bizarre that after all this gentrification and development Tempe has 0 $$$/$$$$ restaurants downtown. Nothing between Top of the Rock (had no idea that was there) and ... The Keg in tempe marketplace (lol).

[MiEncanto]

I've long wondered by Fox didn't do another Arrogant Butcher or The Henry in downtown Tempe given the success of both in Phx. I heard his original plan was to do only 1 of these but things change right?

[exit2lef]

I've long wondered by Fox didn't do another Arrogant Butcher or The Henry in downtown Tempe given the success of both in Phx. I heard his original plan was to do only 1 of these but things change right?

If you compare menus, the Arrogant Butcher seems to be mostly an alternative brand for Culinary Dropout, which already operates on the edge of downtown Tempe. I think the Henry was intended as a one-off concept co-located with Fox's corporate headquarters. Fox is bringing several of its other brands like Blanco Tacos and Flower Childs to the Novus development less than a mile to the east of Mill Avenue.

[MiEncanto]

If you compare menus, the Arrogant Butcher seems to be mostly an alternative brand for Culinary Dropout, which already operates on the edge of downtown Tempe. I think the Henry was intended as a one-off concept co-located with Fox's corporate headquarters. Fox is bringing several of its other brands like Blanco Tacos and Flower Childs to the Novus development less than a mile to the east of Mill Avenue.

Right. And culinary seems to be a great investment in Tempe so I wonder why he hasn't gone after a high end market there. Most of his growth lately has been in the "easier" concepts like Blanco, Zin, Pizza, Flowerchild etc which are ok but nothing that changes the culinary scene. Who am I to question him- I'm sure he has his reasons. But it does seem like there's a market need.

[CA7]

TB sanatorium turned into hospital. Hospital abandoned, and then plowed under to create a library for a tortured Veteran, while never investigating what was buried below...

Oh, man, if this isn't turned into a script for a horror movie, I'll have to write it myself.

I was actually at this site last year for a student film that was set after dark and it was very much the creepiest experience of my life.

[combusean]

Apparently everyone who has ever worked there has been creeped out by it. Had the same legend when I worked at ASU many years ago.

[combusean]

I was actually at this site last year for a student film that was set after dark and it was very much the creepiest experience of my life.

Is it on youtube? I would love to watch it.

[DesertRay]

Apparently everyone who has ever worked there has been creeped out by it. Had the same legend when I worked at ASU many years ago.

NOW we're talking! Just in time for Halloween. :D

[muertecaza]

This is Tempe's white whale.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/tempe/2023/10/18/hayden-flour-mill-redevelopment-could-begin-in-2025-a-sneak-peek/71234786007/

A plan that includes preserving and adaptively reusing Tempe’s Hayden Flour Mill, the namesake of Mill Avenue, will likely begin visible construction in 2025.

The developers, Phoenix-based Venue Projects and Scottsdale-based Sunbelt Holdings, along with the city, which owns the property, will spend the next year completing environmental analysis, archaeological work, and an effort to get the site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Lorenzo Perez, co-founder of Venue Projects said...

In total, the plan could add about 28,000 square feet of new buildings, most of which will be one or two stories tall, to the 5-acre site, and converting 105-year-old mill building for a food and beverage, office or hospitality use. Most of the new buildings will likely be used for food and beverage concepts, but could also include arts and culture installations, retail, office space or events uses...

The development will also add trails into the Hayden Butte Preserve, which is on the eastern side of the property. The trails will mostly be building official trails on places where pedestrians have already created informal trails into the preserve.

A park space, which will focus on desert landscaping and could include informational installations about the butte and its significance to the four southern tribes of Arizona: the Ak-Chin Indian Community, the Gila River Indian Community, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Tohono O’odham Nation...

...The silos will not be repurposed but will remain on the site and could be used for projection art displays or other low intensity uses.

Train tracks that run across the site, which are no longer in use, will also be preserved.

https://www.azcentral.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/10/18/PPHX/71234882007-microsoft-teamsimage-2.png?width=1082&height=812&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

[PHX31]

This would be great to finally get the Mill developed and preserved. The northern end of Mill Avenue really needs something built next to Monti's (what is the plan there again? - just an empty lot now) as well as the Tempe Mission Palms hotel parking lot(s) to be developed (wasn't there a plan a some point?) to provide continuous development and good ped interest all the way to Tempe Beach Park. As it is, not much activity happens north of 3rd St and the light rail station with those dead zones in comparison to Mill Ave south of 3rd St.

[ASU Diablo]

This would be great to finally get the Mill developed and preserved. The northern end of Mill Avenue really needs something built next to Monti's (what is the plan there again? - just an empty lot now) as well as the Tempe Mission Palms hotel parking lot(s) to be developed (wasn't there a plan a some point?) to provide continuous development and good ped interest all the way to Tempe Beach Park. As it is, not much activity happens north of 3rd St and the light rail station with those dead zones in comparison to Mill Ave south of 3rd St.

There is a proposed hotel next to the old Monti's. It was held up for a bit but last update from someone here said it was moving along and it was close. I think it was going to be a Hyatt brand?

[muertecaza]

This would be great to finally get the Mill developed and preserved. The northern end of Mill Avenue really needs something built next to Monti's (what is the plan there again? - just an empty lot now) as well as the Tempe Mission Palms hotel parking lot(s) to be developed (wasn't there a plan a some point?) to provide continuous development and good ped interest all the way to Tempe Beach Park. As it is, not much activity happens north of 3rd St and the light rail station with those dead zones in comparison to Mill Ave south of 3rd St.

There is a proposed hotel next to the old Monti's. It was held up for a bit but last update from someone here said it was moving along and it was close. I think it was going to be a Hyatt brand?

FighteroftheNightman mentioned in 2022 that the triangle-shaped Mission Palms overflow lot was listed for sale in 2022. It doesn't seem to still be listed for sale, and it hasn't traded hands since 2017, so not sure what if anything is going on there.

On the 100 Mill hotel, yes, IndyAZ mentioned a few months back that the site was sold to Hyatt, which was going to develop the hotel itself, with a planned groundbreaking in 2024.

Definitely agree though that Mill Ave. kind of drops off at 3rd St. and would benefit from these projects being finished.

[muertecaza]

New proposal for the NWC of McClintock/Apache:

https://i.imgur.com/xmEM598h.jpg

Very dense, and hopefully 7-story apartment schlock is the new 5-story apartment schlock. If this and the proposal on the SWC go forward, could be a very dense intersection.

[BurjKhalifa2Builder]

I hope they do it right because downtown Tempe really needs a classy/fine dining restaurant. For whatever reason Tempe has struggled in this area. House of Tricks closing removed one of its few nicer places.

Cafe Boa is all there is left it feels like, and that's not even that upscale (love it though).

[exit2lef]

Cafe Boa is all there is left it feels like, and that's not even that upscale (love it though).

Don't forget Alter Ego and Terra Tempe, two semi-upscale hotel restaurants that have recently opened in downtown Tempe.

[azsunsurfer]

Looks like the developer who is doing the MOBs for NOVUS went live for their lease listing. Some massing models in the brochure....and looks like they are going with the senior living building as opposed to a hotel since discussed at the ABOR meeting. It's a shame that the south side of Rio Salado will be a row of surface parking lots like Rio Yards further east....I think it's because of the power lines if I am not mistaken.

https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/391-S-Rural-Rd-Tempe-AZ/29555038/

[muertecaza]

Latest Tempe development updated:

https://www.tempe.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=86321

La Victoria Apartments, more 4+1 apartments on a portion of the big vacant lot on the NEC of 101/Apache have applied for a building permit. That's the biggest remaining vacant lot on Apache in Tempe, so glad to see it being developed. Also happy that it's only a portion of the total vacant area there so that eventually there is some variation when the rest is developed. It's not my biggest, concern, but the step-down to lower intensity housing on the north end where they meet the neighborhood is also well done.

https://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=104575&t=638331294871665662

211 E. 7th St. (next to A+mosphere, mid-block between Forest and College) also was fully approved. It looks similar to A+mosphere and Oliv. The retail in A+mosphere (Rusty Taco, Pokeworks, Happy Joe Coffee) is filled out and seems pretty busy when I walk by, so 7th St. continues on the up and up.

https://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=103587&t=638277064146820161

[combusean]

I like how these monotonous projects make me question the value of the height limit downtown but at the same time appreciate it. I wonder how much would get built at all if Tempe allowed taller buildings.

[CA7]

Latest Tempe development updated:

https://www.tempe.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=86321

La Victoria Apartments, more 4+1 apartments on a portion of the big vacant lot on the NEC of 101/Apache have applied for a building permit. That's the biggest remaining vacant lot on Apache in Tempe, so glad to see it being developed. Also happy that it's only a portion of the total vacant area there so that eventually there is some variation when the rest is developed. It's not my biggest, concern, but the step-down to lower intensity housing on the north end where they meet the neighborhood is also well done.

https://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=104575&t=638331294871665662

211 E. 7th St. (next to A+mosphere, mid-block between Forest and College) also was fully approved. It looks similar to A+mosphere and Oliv. The retail in A+mosphere (Rusty Taco, Pokeworks, Happy Joe Coffee) is filled out and seems pretty busy when I walk by, so 7th St. continues on the up and up.

https://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=103587&t=638277064146820161

Soooo they're building something that looks nearly identical to Atmosphere.... right next to Atmosphere?

[azsunsurfer]

https://app.oxblue.com/cameras/6cd0f85c70d799e4f0c561645220f0c2?openlink=McCarthy/MillAveParkingStructure

They've started going vertical on the new Herberger residence hall/ classroom space.

[combusean]

Soooo they're building something that looks nearly identical to Atmosphere.... right next to Atmosphere?

Yes... which isn't a bad thing altho a flattened, short skyline is nothing to be proud of. The 300' height limit is coincidentally the same as San Jose's...

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Downtown_Skyline_from_Oak_Hill_%28cropped%29.jpg/2000px-Downtown_Skyline_from_Oak_Hill_%28cropped%29.jpg

[CA7]

Yes... which isn't a bad thing altho a flattened, short skyline is nothing to be proud of. The 300' height limit is coincidentally the same as San Jose's...

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Downtown_Skyline_from_Oak_Hill_%28cropped%29.jpg/2000px-Downtown_Skyline_from_Oak_Hill_%28cropped%29.jpg

It's definitely what you do with it, San Diego does have a little more wiggle room with a 500' height limit but still it is limited and they have managed to make the skyline look beautiful nevertheless. The waterfront certainly helps but we also have Tempe Town Lake to add to ours as well.

https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f545b57/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2048x1152+0+0/resize/1280x720!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F5c%2F04b8f5b6456bb5b1fbaa227c878b%2Fjim-grant.jpg

[somethingfast]

300' is just not tall enough to look impressive is the bottom-line. 500 feet does the trick. San Jose looks like Phoenix which looks like Wilmington, DE and Richmond, VA. Short and boxy but definitely not foxy. Maybe we'll get that Astra thing someday though.

[MMDelon]

I think it’s going to more of how Tempe and Phoenix uses that height limit because I don’t see both cities increasing their height until both cities reach max density. I don’t like it but it’s smart.

[combusean]

I suspect when I have much more white hair, Midtown will see something decently tall probably in the Park Central area where they had something like 750' zoned at one point.

[muertecaza]

Another 15 story, 200' student housing project is proposed for Apache/Rural, to replace the Super 8 motel next to the Rise student housing building.

https://i.imgur.com/4i8d6XIh.jpg

[combusean]

Another 15 story, 200' student housing project is proposed for Apache/Rural, to replace the Super 8 motel next to the Rise student housing building.

https://i.imgur.com/4i8d6XIh.jpg

I can't make a gif from a youtube video to save my life so

At last. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDadfh0ZdBM&t=40s)

Nice finish to that part of the street. The company might be thinking about to proceed on the massive complex it owns to the direct north.

[CA7]

Another 15 story, 200' student housing project is proposed for Apache/Rural, to replace the Super 8 motel next to the Rise student housing building.

https://i.imgur.com/4i8d6XIh.jpg

RIP to all those east facing apartments in Rise/Carmin. I had one a couple years ago and it was a stunning view but looks like it'll be blocked now.

[Mr.RE]

This post is 8 years in the making but the Pier has FINALLY topped out... will post about it again when completed in 2030.

[muertecaza]

This post is 8 years in the making but the Pier has FINALLY topped out... will post about it again when completed in 2030.

I've been watching this too and I'm annoyed you beat me to the post, haha. Still probably even odds that the South Pier project next door that is now fully underway finishes first.

[muertecaza]

South Pier starting to peek above ground.

https://i.imgur.com/p9ePcjxh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xIe0SQSh.jpg

[ASU Diablo]

The Pier is never going to finish lol

https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/investigations/tempe-apartment-developer-hit-with-multiple-worker-safety-fines

[azsunsurfer]

The Pier is never going to finish lol

https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/investigations/tempe-apartment-developer-hit-with-multiple-worker-safety-fines

I know an acquaintance who was doing work on the Pier. They set up a ladder for him near one of the balconies (with no railings) and with no propper protection to keep him from falling off...

[azsunsurfer]

Um, I don't think this one was discussed but the DRC is going to have a presentaion on this next meeting...

 Project overview for VERVE TEMPE (PL230356), a proposed 14-story mixed-use
development located at 1011 E Orange Street

[azsunsurfer]

Also they will be previewing the other Apache and McClintock scheme

[Socalzonie]

It was dark when I drove by this week but did I see the 3rd tower crane up now for South Pier?

[Ttown5]

I saw it up as well, thought maybe I missed that there was three before... but I guess there is another crane up! Excited, will do the lake walk today to check on the progress and post photos.

[muertecaza]

I saw it up as well, thought maybe I missed that there was three before... but I guess there is another crane up! Excited, will do the lake walk today to check on the progress and post photos.

No, there were only two as of my pictures on Nov. 28. I'll see if I can grab a picture on my way home.

[azsunsurfer]

I can confirm from the boat parade there were 3 cranes....3 towers...3 cranes.

[ASU Diablo]

Anyone have any updates on this project??

I just noticed a new entry on the Tempe Development Project map for "Tempe Depot Plat" under "In Review for Planning Entitlements."

Are they modifying the existing plan?

[skiesthelimit]

Snapped a pic of the infamous 3 crane situation at South Pier. The impact these projects will have from Tempe Marketplace is amazing.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53396608666_7192956122_c.jpg

[azsunsurfer]

Did anyone get renderings for the new Apache McClintock development (NW Corner not SW) or the Verve project presented at the last DRC Study Session? Minutes/ video was not posted...

[muertecaza]

Did anyone get renderings for the new Apache McClintock development (NW Corner not SW) or the Verve project presented at the last DRC Study Session? Minutes/ video was not posted...

This article from a few months back had renderings of Apache/McClintock:

https://azbex.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/FP-PD-Apache-Square.jpg

https://azbex.com/planning-development/167-unit-mixed-use-planned-at-apache-and-mcclintock/

[azsunsurfer]

This article from a few months back had renderings of Apache/McClintock:

https://azbex.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/FP-PD-Apache-Square.jpg

https://azbex.com/planning-development/167-unit-mixed-use-planned-at-apache-and-mcclintock/

No....as I said that's the SW corner...I am talking about the NW Corner....that was supposedly presented in the study session last week... Trying to find renderings of that project.

[muertecaza]

No....as I said that's the SW corner...I am talking about the NW Corner....that was supposedly presented in the study session last week... Trying to find renderings of that project.

My bad. No I haven't seen anything for that one, but I'll keep my eyes out.

[ASU Diablo]

https://azbigmedia.com/real-estate/mccarthy-completes-mill-avenue-parking-structure-for-asu/

Construction recently completed on the highly anticipated, $42 million, six-level, 429,000-square-foot Mill Avenue Parking Structure for Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe, Ariz. The structure is located at 951 S. Mill Ave. in Tempe, east of Mill Avenue between 9th and 10th Street.

“For several years we have been diligently working on transforming what we call the Block 22/27 portion of the University from a low density and under-utilized piece of our campus,” said Alexander Kohnen, vice president of facilities development and management for Arizona State University. “This parking garage will allow members of the University community and visitors alike to take advantage of the new facilities we have created on the Block.”

To enhance the exterior look, the parking structure’s north and south faces feature a vertical metal screen composed of thin blades set at various angles for a distinctive look that is not typical of a parking facility. Its design allows for increased vehicle traffic flow through the garage’s different levels. During high traffic events, the entrance has a reversible gate arm that allows increased flow upon entry and can be reversed to increase flow after an event for more efficient exiting.

Construction on the related $88 million Mill Avenue Academic and Office Space (Wrap) structure surrounding the garage began in January and is expected to complete in August 2024. The five-story, design-build structure, which is connected to the parking garage, will feature 126,000 square feet of multiple academic, administrative, and retail spaces. The third floor of the wrap has been designed with an extensive sound isolation system to control external and internal sounds for instrumental practice rooms, group rehearsal and ensemble rooms and recording studio rooms. The wrap also has designated spaces for Esports, research labs, computer labs, filming/photography spaces, office spaces and flex-use areas.

[CBar]

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/tempe/2023/12/29/tempe-new-high-rise-apartments-2024/71976503007/

talks about

1. 780 South Myrtle Ave - SKYE Tempe ("27-story complex that will replace the old Salvation Army building")

2. 16 East University Drive ("25-story complex, near the intersection with South Myrtle Ave")

3. 211 East 7th Street ("26-story complex, near the existing Atmosphere apartment complex")

in downtown Tempe, and

4. 955 East University ("18 stories, just down the road from the intersection with South Rural Road")

[CB1]

New academic building at ASU

https://app.oxblue.com/?openlink=ASUTNAB/ASUTempeNewAcademicBuilding

[muertecaza]

1020 Apache DRC packet:

https://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=105647&t=638398017358991728

https://i.imgur.com/XIzhAqAh.png

[muertecaza]

Crane City:

https://i.imgur.com/5Ral23Ph.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4r4AoReh.jpg

[Obadno]

1020 Apache DRC packet:

https://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=105647&t=638398017358991728

https://i.imgur.com/XIzhAqAh.png

Damn, At this point this area of Tempe between Rural and Dorsey must be the densest populated place in the whole state.

[combusean]

The student ghetto, as it were, was always the densest part of the state, and now it just continues to expand and integrate with the rest of the city.

I have to wonder if there's an American suburb that has rebuilt itself as much as Tempe over the years. I remember when Apache constantly struggled to revitalize and the city was as desperate to celebrate making the Desert Rest motel's sign compliant with the city code on their website in the late 1990s/early 2000s.

And now there's four tower cranes off the beaten path, I've been skeptical of that area's development but it's clear developers want to get ahead or of or outright be what's next.

[MiEncanto]

Tempe's transformation is astounding.

It somehow has become far more dense, urban, and modern while also losing the vibe that made it cool. Mill Ave is dead. The music scene is dead (though to be fair that's been gone for like 20 years). The restaurant and bar industry is mostly dead or boring, despite the rest of metro Phoenix doing really well. Some of the dives are going away. It's sad.

[Obadno]

[QUOTE=combusean;10113310]The

I have to wonder if there's an American suburb that has rebuilt itself as much as Tempe over the years. /QUOTE]

Its got to be one of the more influential and heavily dense suburbs out there. But If it wasn't so small in population its already practically twin city situation in terms of economic importance. The size difference is just so heavily in the Phoenix direction.

[Obadno]

Tempe's transformation is astounding.

It somehow has become far more dense, urban, and modern while also losing the vibe that made it cool. Mill Ave is dead. The music scene is dead (though to be fair that's been gone for like 20 years). The restaurant and bar industry is mostly dead or boring, despite the rest of metro Phoenix doing really well. Some of the dives are going away. It's sad.

I doubt Mill is dead. I don't go there anymore but im sure the many thousands of ASU students do just like I used to.

Yes many of the old haunts are gone but that's just what happens with times inexorable march.

When I see how much is on Mill and the whole area between College and Farmer and around Rural/university and Apache/rural in some ways im Jealous, Tempe was so much smaller just 15 years ago.

[xymox]

I doubt Mill is dead. I don't go there anymore but im sure the many thousands of ASU students do just like I used to.

Yes many of the old haunts are gone but that's just what happens with times inexorable march.

When I see how much is on Mill and the whole area between College and Farmer and around Rural/university and Apache/rural in some ways im Jealous, Tempe was so much smaller just 15 years ago.

I used to think Mill Ave was dead - then I caught a show @Darkstar. Holy crap was Mill alive with tons and tons of people. There are at least 3-4 different EDM clubs with international DJs there regularly on top of all the college bars and other assorted places. When everything ended at 2am everyone poured out onto the streets and I was amazed at how many people were there. So it's not dead - it's just changed.

[ASU Diablo]

So it's not dead - it's just changed.

100% whole heartedly agree.

There were almost 60K students at the Tempe Campus during Fall 2023...where the hell else are they going to go to party? LOL it's different but no way in hell it's dead.

[ASU Diablo]

Speaking of Mill (Ave)...still about 2 to 5 years out.

https://azbigmedia.com/real-estate/tempes-historic-hayden-flour-mill-redevelopment-could-begin-this-year/

The Hayden Flour Mill silos and building have stood vacant since the mill officially closed in 1998. But that’s about to change. In October, the city of Tempe announced the approval of a restoration and redevelopment plan for the historic Hayden Flour Mill, which stands at the corner of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway.

“The mill is truly a central, iconic building and very unique building to Tempe’s history,” said Jared Smith, senior curator at the Tempe History Museum. “It makes sense that that building is a focal point going forward.”

The current building operated from 1918 to 1998, when it closed. Since 2001, multiple renovation attempts have been proposed to no avail, mostly due to an expiration of development rights.

In 2021, Tempe issued a request for proposal for new developers and received two responses.

In early 2022, the city entered negotiations for the redevelopment of Hayden Flour Mill and surrounding area with Venue Project, a company with experience restoring iconic buildings, and Sunbelt Holdings, which has been involved in other Tempe development projects. In October, the agreement was approved, and now the work toward revitalization can begin.

The development project calls for new restaurants and shops, a public park, restoration of the mill and its silos, and an improved trailhead to the A Mountain.

Within the next year, an environmental investigation will be done on the site to identify any harmful materials. The next step will be taking inventory of the equipment that was left behind in the building and cleaning it out or integrating it into the project as well as cleaning up the grounds of the site to begin designing the public park, according to Josh Rutherford, economic development administrator for the mill project.

Construction will likely begin in the next two to three years, and within five years, the majority of the project will be complete, Rutherford said.

Along with the development partners, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community has been involved in negotiations about the mill, and a memorandum of understanding has established a foundation of communication between the city, the developers and SRP-MIC.

“As we move forward, every step, like the park boundaries, the development itself, they’re (SRP-MIC) very much involved as a development partner with us,” Rutherford said.

The partnership aims to ensure Indigenous people are acknowledged for their agricultural developments in Tempe through incorporating Indigenous products into retail space or having insights on the trailhead that educate and acknowledge that history, according to Rutherford.

The Hayden Flour Mill is a relic of Tempe’s agricultural past and growth of Tempe as well as being the namesake of the bustling Mill Avenue. The mill building was built in 1918 and remains the oldest cast-in-place, reinforced concrete building in Tempe.

The original Hayden Flour Mill was built in 1874 but burned down – and after being rebuilt in 1895, burned down again. Architects and builders used techniques developed in the wake of the great San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906 to make the building fire-proof, according to the city of Tempe.

The grain elevator and silos east of the mill were constructed in 1951 and remained the tallest structures in Tempe until 2007.

After its conception, the Hayden Flour Mill company was quickly the largest purchaser of wheat in the state and one of the most prominent companies in the state’s agricultural industry.

“Highlighting this agricultural history is a core part, I think, of tying the community’s heritage and the business history back into the site where it really kind of started,” Tempe History Museum’s Smith said of the plan to honor the “legacy business” that was one of the longest-running in the state, at more than 120 years.

[PHX31]

Speaking of Mill (Ave)...still about 2 to 5 years out.

https://azbigmedia.com/real-estate/tempes-historic-hayden-flour-mill-redevelopment-could-begin-this-year/

It'll be great once this thing is finally re-developed.

I don't quite understand the indigenous involvement from the angle of "... acknowledged for their agricultural developments in Tempe through incorporating Indigenous products into retail space or having insights on the trailhead that educate and acknowledge that history..." (EDIT: Yes, there were the canal systems around the Valley and they were agricultural people and the mill sort of has to do with agriculture, but was there some specific significant indigenous agricultural elements on the Mill site itself? I kind of doubt it being right next to the butte.)

Although, I would think if they're doing any digging around as part of the development they'd need some archaeologists and even tribes members around. Back in 2007 I saw with my own two eyes an excavator dig up a skeleton not even 1000 ft away when they were doing some trenching for the light rail. There's stuff and sites and unknown burials and whatnot all over the place over there.

[skiesthelimit]

Tempe's transformation is astounding.

It somehow has become far more dense, urban, and modern while also losing the vibe that made it cool. Mill Ave is dead. The music scene is dead (though to be fair that's been gone for like 20 years). The restaurant and bar industry is mostly dead or boring, despite the rest of metro Phoenix doing really well. Some of the dives are going away. It's sad.

The music scene in Tempe is most definitely not dead. It’s just almost exclusively EDM, so much so Bang Bang Tempe just opened up a new venue on Mill to cater to house music while serving as a restaurant during the day. With every new tower being built there’s a new restaurant being added and the little plaza off rural with the fox food concepts is currently underway and above ground. A bar/speakeasy concept is being built on Mill as we speak. Are we looking at the same Tempe?

[muertecaza]

Speaking of Mill (Ave)...still about 2 to 5 years out.

https://azbigmedia.com/real-estate/tempes-historic-hayden-flour-mill-redevelopment-could-begin-this-year/

If this ever actually happens, then we'll know Tempe has truly arrived.

[cdfif030]

Back in 2007 I saw with my own two eyes an excavator dig up a skeleton not even 1000 ft away when they were doing some trenching for the light rail. There's stuff and sites and unknown burials and whatnot all over the place over there.

I think this is exactly the reason. Much of the remains have not been preserved so many residents do not know the history. The University was built on ruins, as was my house in north Peoria in 2006 (I did not know this until Peoria built "historic" park). The valley has had a population around a million people well before europeans showed up. The canal system then spanned the valley and morphed into todays system. SRP canals run parallel to or through many ancient canal alignments. These canals are largely why Tempe, surrounded by a large region of developed agriculture, was able to develop and sustain a major flour mill.

[azcats]

Tempe's transformation is astounding.

It somehow has become far more dense, urban, and modern while also losing the vibe that made it cool. Mill Ave is dead. The music scene is dead (though to be fair that's been gone for like 20 years). The restaurant and bar industry is mostly dead or boring, despite the rest of metro Phoenix doing really well. Some of the dives are going away. It's sad.

Well...maybe it's a generational thing. Other than growing up about 10 miles exactly due north of asu...and my father taking us to asu football games as kids - Frank Kush teams...I don't care about Tempe. I spent my 20s in Tucson. That said...it is way better than it was decades ago. I can remember how Scottsdale Road (and this all seems as if it were yesterday) would descend towards the river (dry then) and it was really bad - strip joints...etc. Probably just twenty years ago - you would get off the 202 - and see piles of toilets in some old yard...and j-johns, etc. So, the change is pretty dramatic. And it seems to have transform - so quickly. I do remember one good thing - way back in the 70s right there in the middle of downtown/asu campus. The CO-OP run by - I guess, "hippies." I just remember going there to get yogart and honey. I would pretty sure believe that it is long gone.

[muertecaza]

Well...maybe it's a generational thing. Other than growing up about 10 miles exactly due north of asu...and my father taking us to asu football games as kids - Frank Kush teams...I don't care about Tempe. I spent my 20s in Tucson. That said...it is way better than it was decades ago. I can remember how Scottsdale Road (and this all seems as if it were yesterday) would descend towards the river (dry then) and it was really bad - strip joints...etc. Probably just twenty years ago - you would get off the 202 - and see piles of toilets in some old yard...and j-johns, etc. So, the change is pretty dramatic. And it seems to have transform - so quickly. I do remember one good thing - way back in the 70s right there in the middle of downtown/asu campus. The CO-OP run by - I guess, "hippies." I just remember going there to get yogart and honey. I would pretty sure believe that it is long gone.

Sounds like not too much has changed! For the strip club crowd, Skin Cabaret and Dream Palace are still holding on strong in North Tempe on Scottsdale Rd. And the Tempe Farmer's Market on University just west of Mill is still slingin' the hippie produce. If you look hard enough between Curry and the 202 in the county island, I bet you could even find some toilets :D

At least half kidding. The change is definitely dramatic, even if some of the old stuff is still hanging on.

[azcats]

Sounds like not too much has changed! For the strip club crowd, Skin Cabaret and Dream Palace are still holding on strong in North Tempe on Scottsdale Rd. And the Tempe Farmer's Market on University just west of Mill is still slingin' the hippie produce. If you look hard enough between Curry and the 202 in the county island, I bet you could even find some toilets :D

At least half kidding. The change is definitely dramatic, even if some of the old stuff is still hanging on.

:)...:yes:...:haha:

[combusean]

The music scene in Tempe is most definitely not dead. It’s just almost exclusively EDM...

I have the feeling this is something pretty much anyone over 35 or so has difficulty understanding. Rock music is effectively dead, and has been for a while, and it's not just in Tempe. Very few places that used to have or much less rely on live bands have successfully made the transition to what the younger crowd is in to. It has nothing to do with gentrification, and has definitely happened before like with all the late night restaurants featuring live music and dancing that died out in the 1980s.

[xymox]

I have the feeling this is something pretty much anyone over 35 or so has difficulty understanding. Rock music is effectively dead, and has been for a while, and it's not just in Tempe. Very few places that used to have or much less rely on live bands have successfully made the transition to what the younger crowd is in to. It has nothing to do with gentrification, and has definitely happened before like with all the late night restaurants featuring live music and dancing that died out in the 1980s.

Agreed. I've been into EDM for a very long time (since the 90s) and while there were some good time periods with a lot of stuff that would come through town - now it's crazy. Every weekend there's 8-10 shows between DTPHX and Tempe and sometimes with 3-4 big international names. Can be a hard time deciding which show to hit sometimes. Tempe/PHX are definitely on the rotation for these acts - it's now the golden era for EDM here. (In fact a legendary act from Germany is doing a 30th anniversary tour world wide and chose only two US cities to hit - Denver and Phoenix).

[MiEncanto]

Agreed. I've been into EDM for a very long time (since the 90s) and while there were some good time periods with a lot of stuff that would come through town - now it's crazy. Every weekend there's 8-10 shows between DTPHX and Tempe and sometimes with 3-4 big international names. Can be a hard time deciding which show to hit sometimes. Tempe/PHX are definitely on the rotation for these acts - it's now the golden era for EDM here. (In fact a legendary act from Germany is doing a 30th anniversary tour world wide and chose only two US cities to hit - Denver and Phoenix).

I hope the kids are enjoying these guys hit play on their Mac while they pretend to adjust the gain.

yah yah, get off my lawn stuff. There's a time and age for this type of stuff. But it doesn't create a music culture the same way artists with instruments do.

I love going down to Crescent to see smaller indie rock bands play. It's my favorite venue in town. I appreciate the diversity of venues we have to offer.

I'm not the only one who thinks Tempe is dead. On the Taste of AZ podcast everyone on one of their most recent shows agreed it was mostly dead.

I'm excited to see what the Pretty Decent guys (Wren and Wolf, Chico Malo) do with the old PF Changs on Mill.

[somethingfast]

Rock music is effectively dead, and has been for a while, and it's not just in Tempe.

I think you mean live rock music at clubs is dead and not dead in general? Rock music (esp. hard rock) will NEVER die. :cheers:

[combusean]

Yeah, but it's just not mainstream anymore. New bands are going to have difficulty headlining the Marquee and places like that, but I don't follow new music much in my old age.

Between drinking less being a generational shift and ASU seemingly having been successful at dropping its reputation as a party school, I don't really see a lot of future in a thriving bar scene on Mill regardless of how live or dead it is at any given time. And there's practically nothing in Tempe that would appeal to older crowds like the Milennials and up that still do regular happy hours after work, half the time because they're open too late if at all during the week.

I wonder how much of those Downtown Tempe residents in everything they've built recently are simply going to downtown Phoenix to hang out if they feel up for it and would want something closer to home.

[exit2lef]

I think you mean live rock music at clubs is dead and not dead in general? Rock music (esp. hard rock) will NEVER die. :cheers:

Jazz didn't die when rock came along, and rock won't die at the hands of EDM. What is clear is that rock is no longer the dominant genre. It will persist indefinitely but with less audience share than it once had. Maybe we'll even see non-profit rock clubs playing the same role that the Nash in downtown Phoenix does with jazz.

[muertecaza]

The upcoming January 23rd DRC study session will see the presentation of a new proposal for the old college bookstore:

Project overview for College & 7th Mixed Use (PL230076), a new mixed-use development located at the southwest corner of College Avenue and 7th Street. Presentation by Manjula Vaz of Gammage & Burnham PLC, Eran Fields of FH Tempe, and Bob Thompson of TVA Architects.

[muertecaza]

No....as I said that's the SW corner...I am talking about the NW Corner....that was supposedly presented in the study session last week... Trying to find renderings of that project.

These projects are on the regular agenda for the DRC on January 23rd, so if nothing else we should see renderings by then.

[IndyAZ]

These projects are on the regular agenda for the DRC on January 23rd, so if nothing else we should see renderings by then.

Or I could just upload the current renderings.... :)
It's the Brick Building that was shared previously, but it's now 13 stories.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53452777620_39428fedb1_o.png (https://flic.kr/p/2prrsw9)[/url]
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53452361931_02734e8c3b_o.png (https://flic.kr/p/2prrsw9)[url=https://flic.kr/p/2prpjX6]

[somethingfast]

Yeah, but it's just not mainstream anymore. New bands are going to have difficulty headlining the Marquee and places like that, but I don't follow new music much in my old age.

Between drinking less being a generational shift and ASU seemingly having been successful at dropping its reputation as a party school, I don't really see a lot of future in a thriving bar scene on Mill regardless of how live or dead it is at any given time. And there's practically nothing in Tempe that would appeal to older crowds like the Milennials and up that still do regular happy hours after work, half the time because they're open too late if at all during the week.

I wonder how much of those Downtown Tempe residents in everything they've built recently are simply going to downtown Phoenix to hang out if they feel up for it and would want something closer to home.

You're not wrong at all as the younger generations seem to dig other genres more but I also chalk that up to mainstream media diminishing importance of rock. When they do discover "rock" bands, they like it. There's just no forum for it in the mainstream now (like MTV's Headbanger's Ball or 120 Minutes back in the day). I like plenty of EDM but like rap/hip-hop it's super one dimensional and not ripe for instrumental creativity in my mind. But then again I'm old! I really hope I'm not wrong though as the world was more interesting when Megadeth's "Countdown To Extinction" debuted at #2 on Billboard's Top 200 back in 1992 :notacrook:

[combusean]

^ *flat faced emoji because this place hasn't upgraded yet...*

I'm all about the music posts but if they don't have anything to do with Tempe they're offtopic here.

[somethingfast]

^ *flat faced emoji because this place hasn't upgraded yet...*

I'm all about the music posts but if they don't have anything to do with Tempe they're offtopic here.

LOL! Done with my old geezer rant!

[muertecaza]

Or I could just upload the current renderings.... :)
It's the Brick Building that was shared previously, but it's now 13 stories.

Nice. Forgot about this, thanks for posting the updated renderings. Love this proposal.

[CrestedSaguaro]

South Pier has a webcam up now mounted on the westernmost crane:

https://app.oxblue.com/cameras/c723b3b1f76ab1f2dece4b875dbd0f32?openlink=clayco/southpierlogistics

[azsunsurfer]

So I was wrong...looks like this project grew. Interesting that since this project was originally approved at 5 stories... they turned around and requested two more floors....

https://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=105895&t=638410040082249698

[Edifice]

There are 3 cranes up at South Pier but it doesn't look like there is enough footprint for three towers. Anybody know if they are currently constructing two, or three towers?

[CrestedSaguaro]

There are 3 cranes up at South Pier but it doesn't look like there is enough footprint for three towers. Anybody know if they are currently constructing two, or three towers?

It's 3 towers. You can see the elevator shaft going up on all 3 pads in the webcam I posted above.

[combusean]

This project is so enormous, it's going up next to an enormous project, and it's all so off the beaten path. It's difficult to comprehend sometimes, especially when multiple towers are getting built in a region that had a long history of never even seeing a phase two get built.

[muertecaza]

So I was wrong...looks like this project grew. Interesting that since this project was originally approved at 5 stories... they turned around and requested two more floors....

https://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=105895&t=638410040082249698

Nice. 'Verve' is interesting too, very thicc, almost cubical:

https://i.imgur.com/tpheSIeh.png

https://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=105901&t=638410098500832751

[muertecaza]

There are 3 cranes up at South Pier but it doesn't look like there is enough footprint for three towers. Anybody know if they are currently constructing two, or three towers?

It's 3 towers. You can see the elevator shaft going up on all 3 pads in the webcam I posted above.

This project is so enormous, it's going up next to an enormous project, and it's all so off the beaten path. It's difficult to comprehend sometimes, especially when multiple towers are getting built in a region that had a long history of never even seeing a phase two get built.

Yeah, it's wild. Here it is from across the lake today:

https://i.imgur.com/iaOB50jh.jpg

[combusean]

The funny thing is about South Pier is that the developer had practically no high-rise experience and their previous project in Tacoma was so underwhelming--really left me scratching my head at why Tempe chose them to develop the larger site.

Then they turn around and pull in hundreds of millions of dollars from established capital partners that have almost always overlooked this area. I suppose when you have the entitlements and a desirable site and really one of the largest mixed use developments in the west coast people's heads start to turn.

And what's even funnier than that is if this were going up at any other time it would have been irrational exuberance on par with the peak of mid/late-1980s megaprojects but this just seems par for the course of a rapidly urbanizing submarket with all the bones. It's just those bones have been there so long I never thought I'd see meat grow at all, let alone this much all at once.

[CrestedSaguaro]

Yeah, it's wild. Here it is from across the lake today:

https://i.imgur.com/iaOB50jh.jpg

$5 says these top out before the Pier is done :haha:

[azsunsurfer]

Yikes....I kinda foresaw this when I noticed "for lease" signs spring up around the construction fencing last time I was at Tempe Town Lake.....

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2024/01/18/carvana-to-not-take-occupancy-tempe-campus.html

[Obadno]

Yikes....I kinda foresaw this when I noticed "for lease" signs spring up around the construction fencing last time I was at Tempe Town Lake.....

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2024/01/18/carvana-to-not-take-occupancy-tempe-campus.html

Yeah came to post! Signal of the bad shape of the commercial leasing market. nobody needs the kind of sqft they did pre 2020

[azsunsurfer]

So how is Tempe suppose to absorb the Novus phase II, Marina Heights Phase II, Rio 101, The Grande's next phase, Watermark II, The Pier's next phase which includes office....I mean is the Beam even leased up?

[Ttown5]

So how is Tempe suppose to absorb the Novus phase II, Marina Heights Phase II, Rio 101, The Grande's next phase, Watermark II, The Pier's next phase which includes office....I mean is the Beam even leased up?

The information I have is that the grand is moving to do more residential and MU spaces, watermark phase two might be residential mixed use as well with current trends, or just sit empty for a while. Not sure about The Pier, but that is prime office space so it would likely lease before other properties as the prime office market is doing better than subprime. I would love to see more condos in the area, but yet to have seen that, or even condo/hotel combo at watermark.

[muertecaza]

Coverage of the student housing replacing the Super 8:

https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/real-estate/2024/01/24/tempe-super-8-motel-to-be-replaced-with-apartment/72314902007/

https://www.azcentral.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/01/22/PPHX/72318058007-screenshot-193.png?width=660&height=342&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

[azsunsurfer]

Coverage of the student housing replacing the Super 8:

https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/real-estate/2024/01/24/tempe-super-8-motel-to-be-replaced-with-apartment/72314902007/

https://www.azcentral.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/01/22/PPHX/72318058007-screenshot-193.png?width=660&height=342&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

There is fencing up around the hotel across the street....looks like that 7 story one will be getting going soon...

[cdfif030]

I was on campus this week and noticed the crane working on the mill avenue parking structure and 5 story academic building has been raised. The university seems to be moving on to the next phase of the project, starting construction on a 7 story student housing building. This expansion of the campus encompasses the entire block from Myrtle to mill and 9th to 10th street, directly south of Mirabella and Omni hotel.

I used this website to find this information. Interesting, there is a project directly to the east of Mirabella on University labeled “Mill Towers & TDUP.” There is no information on the project yet, but I am excited see what they do with the site given their other projects in the area.

https://gis.m.asu.edu/asucampus/?extent=-12463704.2004%2C3948703.4585%2C-12456356.691%2C3952907.495%2C102100&showLayers=ASUCampusParkingAreas_3950%3BConstructionFences_2102%3BConstructionFences_2102_0%3BCampusBuilding_7147_1%3BCampusBuilding_7147_2%3BCampusBuilding_7147_3%3BCampusBuilding_7147_4%3BCampusBuilding_7147_5%3BCampusBuilding_7147_6%3BCampusBuilding_7147_7%3BCampusBuilding_7147_8%3BCampusBuilding_7147_9%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_0%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_1%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_2%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_3%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_4%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_5%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_6%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_7%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_8%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_9%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_10%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_11%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_12%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_13%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_14%3BCampusServices05112023_4696_15%3BCampusPointsofPride_4284_0%3BCampusPointsofPride_4284_1%3BCampusPointsofPride_4284_2%3BCampusPointsofPride_4284_3%3BCampusPointsofPride_4284_4%3BCampusSustainability_2508_0%3BCampusSustainability_2508_1%3BCampusSustainability_2508_2%3BCampusSustainability_2508_3%3BCampusSustainability_2508_4%3BCampusParking_3127_0%3BCampusParking_3127_1%3BCampusParking_3127_2%3BCampusBike_6404_0%3BCampusBike_6404_1%3BCampusTransit_2204_6%3BCampusTransit_2204_7%3BCampusTransit_2204_8%3BCampusTransit_2204_9%3BCampusTransit_2204_10%3BCampusTransit_2204_23%3BCampusTransit_2204_24%3BCampusTransit_2204_25%3BCampusTransit_2204_26%3BCampusCart_3034_0%3BCampusCart_3034_1%3BCampusAccessibility_1217_0%3BCampusAccessibility_1217_1%3BCampusAccessibility_1217_2%3BCampusAccessibility_1217_3%3BCampusBuilding_9030%3BCampusBuilding_9030_0

Have to mention I drove by South Pier as well and was shocked to see it’s already poking above ground. This is absolutely turning into a race of South Pier vs The Pier. It took the former project years to achieve that.